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08-13-1997 ARC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION AUGUST 13, 1997 - MINUTES The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, August 13, 1997 in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1 10 1 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Beaty, Leuman, May, Des Roches and Gross. Commissioners Fitzer and Stein were excused. Also present were City Administrator Kevin Batchelder and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser. Commissioner May moved approval of the July 9, 1997 Minutes. Commissioner Des Roches seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 MISCELLANEOUS Chair Beaty stated that he had attended the NOISE conference and felt that the conference had provided excellent information. He noted that he is interested in inviting Mr. Ahuja, of the Georgia Tech Research Institute, to speak_ at an upcoming Commission meeting. He stated that Mr. Ahuja - indicated that the City should be able to conduct its own tests and get an accurate depiction of sound and develop air noise contours based on these tests. Beaty stated that by the City conducting its own testing, may help provide some "teeth" in negotiating/discussing changes with the MAC. Beaty indicated that Mayor Mertensotto is also interested in hearing this individual speak. He also suggested that Mr. Ahuja attend an upcoming NDCARC meeting. Commissioner Gross suggested that the City request a resume from Mr. Ahuja. Beaty suggested that staff provide the Mayor with a copy of the Whiley Research analysis. L11:1 17il 9:1rill I ;106111t Administrator Batchelder stated that the Commission had discussed updating the Action Plan at their July meeting. He noted that the AUGUST 13, 1997 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES Commission had made several changes to the plan and that they have been added to the Action Plan for their final review tonight. Administrator Batchelder noted that the Commission has added a new goal to the plan, Revisiting Fanning Options off of 11 L. Batchelder stated that fanning of aircraft already occurs to the north and inquired if the Commission intends for their goal to fan aircraft further south. He reminded the Commission that no headings are issued south of the 29 localizer. Chair Beaty referred to the Braslau report where Mr. Braslau suggested air noise relief by fanning aircraft in all directions from MSP. He stated that Mr. Braslau felt that by spreading aircraft noise, there will be much less noise in one specific area. Commissioner Leuman stated that aircraft cannot be fanned much farther north because of the St. Paul Airport airspace. Chair Beaty stated that the control tower currently fans the aircraft. Batchelder stated that this issue is in conflict with other goals the Commission has established such as narrowing the air noise corridor. Commissioner Des Roches stated that she is concerned that this "goal" will distract other issues the Commission is currently working on within the Action Plan. Chair Beaty stated that the City Council is looking for equity of air noise. He stated that the Council should consider reviewing this issue as it is tough to not include the northern area of Mendota Heights if the City's intent is to equitably distribute air noise. Commissioner Gross stated that the reality is that the airport and city are here to stay and that the City should continue to focus on narrowing the corridor. Beaty stated that he agrees. Gross noted that he is concerned that the community may interpret this new "goal" as the Commission unsure of what it wants to accomplish. He stated that this new goal is contrary to what the Commission has been working on over the past few years. Chair Beaty stated that this goal fits into the equity issue of the Action Plan. Commissioner May stated that he believes that the concept of fanning fits within the Action Plan and that it should be considered as a part of noise abatement procedures. Administrator Batchelder explained that the City had reviewed this concept in the past and that the study is available to the Commission. He stated that as a result of this study and the City's persistence in equitable air noise distribution, the MAC developed the now implemented crossing pattern. Batchelder suggested that the Commission request the MAC to report on AUGUST 13, 1997 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES 2 how the crossing pattern is being implemented and whether the FAA is using this procedure during non -simultaneous periods. He suggested that the Commission focus on why the City is still experiencing 5:00 a.m. departures over residential neighborhoods. Commissioner Gross agreed with Administrator Batchelder. He stated the Commission/Council should pursue a court injunction since there seems to be a direct violation of a specific tower order. Commissioner Des Roches agreed but added that she would like to see specific data before pursuing court action. Batchelder inquired further about specific changes to the Action Plan. Commissioner Des Roches stated that she does not want to include, within the Action Plan, fanning of aircraft. She stated that she welcomes additional material/education regarding this concept. She noted that by adding this goal to the Action Plan, it may send a message to the Council and community that the Commission is pursuing a goal that is incompatible with the entire Action. Administrator Batchelder inquired about the Commission's priority in fanning aircraft. Commissioner May suggested that the fanning option should be prioritized and that it be included as a noise reduction issue. Chair Beaty stated that he is looking for equity of the current runway use system. Batchelder stated that with the construction of the north/south runway, 37 percent of the departures will depart off the north/south runway and that departures from 11 L will drop to 8 percent. Chair Beaty stated that he cannot image that the Cities of Bloomington and Richfield will allow 37 percent of the departures to depart over their cities. He stated that operations will increase over the years and that he believes the runways will continue to be used as they are now. He stated that he does not believe that with the new north/south runway, Mendota Heights will experience less noise. Chair Beaty stated that if Mendota Heights receives 8 percent of the departures (with the construction of the north/south runway), why not consider spreading that air noise across the City. Administrator Batchelder inquired if the Action Plan's goal of narrowing the corridor is no longer a priority. Chair Beaty stated that specific neighborhoods within Mendota Heights keep getting "burned" with air noise and that he would like to see these neighborhoods get some relief. Commissioner May stated that he concurs with Chair Beaty and that he believes there are some viable alternatives in distributing air noise. In response to a question from Chair Beaty regarding Commissioners living "i AUGUST 13, 1997 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES 3 north of Highway 110, Commissioner Gross stated that he does experience some air noise. He stated that he is of the opinion that he would like to see the Commission stay on "track" with their issues and goals related to equitable distribution of air noise. He stated that this Commission needs to maintain its credibility. He stated that he believes revisiting fanning options off of 11 L should be kept out of the Action Plan. Commissioner Des Roches stated that she does not get much air noise and that she agrees with Commissioner Gross about maintaining the Commission's credibility. Chair Beaty stated that he would like to see the Commission educated further on Braslau/Collette study. Administrator Batchelder suggested that Page 3 of the Action Plan be changed to read: Issue: Noise Reduction Through Modified Takeoff Procedures Goal: Revisit Fanning Options. Action Steps Who When 1. Receive outside expertise to educate ARC 1998 the Commission on how fanning may affect communities. 2. Research other airports implementation ARC/Staff of fanning procedure 3. Explore history with MAC/St. Paul ARC/Staff airspace. 4. Explore opportunities and constraints ARC/Staff with FAA traffic control. Commissioner May stated that he believes that the Commission should revisit the fanning issue. He stated that this may be a political issue but that the Commission has an obligation to pursue other noise abatement procedures. Chair Beaty requested that staff send copies of the Braslau/Collette study in the next Commission agenda packet. The Commission was of the consensus to present the Action Plan to at the September 2, 1997 City Council regular meeting. DISCUSS JOINT WORKSHOP FOR AUGUST 13, 1997 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES 4 NORTHERN DAKOTA COUNTY AIRPORT RELATIONS' COMMISSIONERS The Commission discussed topics of interest and planned the bus tour route. The Commission discussed best times to view air traffic within the City of Mendota Heights. Commissioners Stein indicated he would attend the meeting. DISCUSS LETTER AND VIDEO FROM MR. RON FUSSELL The Commission reviewed a letter and video from Mr. Ron Fussell, of 530 Abbey Way. The Commission noted the air traffic patterns and how specific aircraft generate more noise than others. The Commission was interested in noting how Mr. Fussell's interpretation of noisy aircraft changed. The Commission expressed their appreciation in receiving the video and directed staff to send a thank you letter to Mr. Fussell. PRESENTATION ON NOISE - 8 P.M. MR. BRIAN ADDIS - INSTRUCTOR AT INVER HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that Mr. Addis had canceled his presentation earlier in the day. It was noted that Mr. Addis had been requested to help investigate a recent aircraft accident. Batchelder stated that he would reschedule Mr. Addis' presentation. NOISE ABATEMENT DEPARTURE PROFILES Administrator Batchelder reviewed a letter sent by Mayor Mertensotto to the members of the Planning and Environment Committee - MAC regarding their recent action to table discussion of the MASAC recommendation on Noise Abatement Departure Profiles for one month. The Mayor's letter explains the City's position on how vitally important that a Close -in Departure be adopted for both ends of the parallel runways for the MSP airport. Commissioner May inquired if the City has considered reviewing this issue with the City Attorney. He suggested that the City consider this option because there appears to be a real inconsistency in how the MAC dictates policies and procedures. He stated that by the City challenging MAC's AUGUST 13, 1997 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES 5 inconsistencies, the City will generate publicity that the MAC may not wish to endure. May stated that it is hard for any court to ignore equal protection of the law. Commissioner Des Roches suggested sending a letter to the MAC regarding Commissioner May's suggestion. Commissioner. May stated that the City can only gain more respect in demanding equal protection. He stated that staff /commission/council can tap into specific resources to help generate facts and statistics to help its cause in comparing "apples to apples". Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that he would be attending the Executive Committee meeting on August 14 where the committee will review the possible changes to the MASAC membership roster. COMMUNITY STABILIZATION WORKING GROUP - AUGUST 12, 1997 Administrator Batchelder explained that in 1996 the Noise Mitigation Committee established by the MAC recommended that a Community Stabilization Working group be formed to develop recommendations on noise mitigation programs that could be submitted to the Minnesota Legislature. He explained that according to the MAC, with the timing of this adoption of the Committee recommendations and subsequent presentation to the Legislature, action could not be taken for the 1997 session. In essence, the MAC is now looking to develop potential recommendations for the 1998 session. He stated that staff will continue to monitor this working group's discussions and follow our adopted Noise Mitigation Needs Statement. PART 150 RESPONSE TO MS. RITA HUGHES, 2308 SWAN Batchelder explained that the City had made a request on behalf of Ms. Hughes, on Swan Drive, to insulate her home after seven other homes in her neighborhood had received sound insulation. Batchelder explained that the City has received a response from Mr. Steven Vecchi, Manager of the Part 150 Program at MAC, that Ms. Rita Hughes' request to have her home insulated using Part 150 funds has been denied. Mr. Vecchi explained that Ms. Hughes's property is located on a block that AUGUST 13, 1997 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES 6 does not meet FAA criteria and therefore is not eligible for Part 150 modifications. The reason being that FAA guidelines stated that only blocks that are intersected or completely contained within the outermost contour boundary are eligible for the Part 150 Residential Sound Insulation Program. Batchelder stated that Ms. Hughes' neighboring blocks (Blocks 21 and 22) are eligible because they are intersected by the outermost DNL contour boundary. Commissioner Des Roches was excused at 9:10 p.m. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF VARIOUS REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE The. Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC agenda for July 22, 1997 and June 24, 1997 minutes. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC abbreviated Technical Advisor's Report for June, 1997. Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that the ANOMS system is experiencing technical difficulties as it relates to the new installation of equipment at the new control tower. Apparently the new equipment in the control tower is not compatible with the existing ANOMS equipment. The MAC is in the process of upgrading the system so that it is compatible with the FAA's system. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Airport Noise Report for July. The Commission acknowledged receipt MASAC Executive Committee Agenda for August 14, 1997 and July 11, 1997 Minutes. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Operations Committee Agenda for August 14, 1997 and Minutes of July 15, 1997. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Eagan ARC Agenda for August 12, 1997. AUGUST 13, 1997 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES 7 FA sit Eel F1 There being no further business, the Airport Relations Commission moved to adjourn its meeting at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kimberlee K. Blaeser Senior Secretary AUGUST 13, 1997 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES 8